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Once upon a time, the name Benedict Arnold
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was synonymous with honor and courage.
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Arnold was George Washington's favorite military officer
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for most of the American Revolution,
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and Washington considered him a hero,
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a brilliant strategist, and a key reason
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for the Continental Army's success.
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But that all changed in 1780
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when Benedict Arnold switched his allegiance
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from America to the British Army.
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It's a moment that has gone down
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as one of the most famous betrayals in American history.
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Even today, almost 250 years later,
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to label someone a Benedict Arnold
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is to accuse them of betrayal,
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disloyalty, and treason.
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That's the danger of creating a bad name for ourselves.
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It can hang over us like a dark cloud for weeks, months,
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even years, or centuries, bringing rain,
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not only into our lives,
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but perhaps into the lives of our children
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and grandchildren as well.
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At the end of the day, a reputation is only as strong
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as the character beneath it.
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Don't pretend to have a good marriage.
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Face your issues and put in the work to actually create one.
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Don't just wish for a world
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where integrity and good values are upheld.
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Be a person who upholds integrity and good values.
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Both good and bad choices alike,
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ripple outward and affect the people around us.
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To build a good name for ourselves and our families,
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we must make choices today
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that bless our tomorrows.
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For Focus on the Family, I'm Jim Daily.